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Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year! :-D May the best of your 2011 be the worst of your 2012! Life can only get better! 2012 Aja, Aja, Fighting! ^_^ Needless to say, this is my first ever post for 2012, although there were earlier events (both good and not so good) that I can't wait to share, think it's best to do a feel-good post foremost. No surprise here, it's a shopping spree post, with shoes. Yay! ;-D

My last minute steals from Nine West...Love! :-D

Albeit my happiness for collecting casual comfy shoes a la my pairs of FitFlop™, I still long for those jeweled/studded stilettos a la Geum Jan Di' shoes in Boys Over Flowers, the pretty pair that Han Chae Young's Seo Hyun character gifted to Jan Di with such compelling phrase..."Good shoes take you to good places." So true! From then on, I'm on a quest to get my very own pair. But there's a major glitch, I don't think I can wear high heels let alone stilettos, my usual klutzy self is shying away from those. But my, my, I was so wrong. I have to say that I just really need a good pair and a good brand, that will keep me walking steady, less the wobble, and Nine West is IT! ;-D

First pair...Black Platform Jeweled/Studded Stilettos

Black Strappy Platform Stilettos

They come with a good 3-3.5.inch heels, so to strut with them confidently and comfortably even, are feats definitely worth raving about. I will be back with a better photo documentation. And an outfit post maybe. I got them at Nine West in Marquee Mall.

Any how, as always, I can't wait to babble on how my days were for the past two days, but I haven't gotten importing the pictures just yet. But just so you know, last night's (or morning) hullabaloo, I feel more blessed than ever. I'm praying for discernment, for safety, for peace.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Considering I'm a SAHM, sometimes I marvel in my shopping feats, which are record breaking. Haha! :-D In by some kind of a happy turn of events, I ended up crazily hauling Korea Cosmetics for this year. ;-D Even more better, two of the splurging were right out of Seoul. Albeit, not by me, but by my friends, who lovingly indulged me on my caprice. Love them. Included among my overflowing freebies from last time were trial packs of Skin Food Gold Caviar skin care lines (so yes, giving out samples do work! ;-D), they're love at first try, so I ended up buying more trial packs on eBay. Until I finally have means to get the full sizes. A blogger friend from Seoul (Mommy Wendy), who I haven't met in person just until recently, offered to shop for me....hugs and kisses to her! :-D

I'll do a detailed review of the skin care line. But not to preempt, I'm so wowed by this line, so I ended up adding more items within the Skin Food Gold Caviar line, such as the Moist Brightening Powder Balls, and just today the Gold Caviar Moist Fitting Cake.

On top of these, much to my overflowing giddiness, she gave me more Mask Sheets from various Korean Cosmetics. And best of all, a box full of Laneige Hydra Solution Mask Sheets as gifts. She made a post about them here. So yes, I'm so looking forward to my first ever Laneige indulgence. Yay! :-D

A look at some of my Korean Cosmetics Hau! :-D

I have these much Korea Cosmetics Mask Sheets from various brands...Nature Republic, Tony Moly, Etude House, and more...Yay! Eenie Meenie Miney Mo, hmmm, which mask sheet to use tonigh? ^_^

But much to my hubby's questioning look, this is not yet my last hurrah, I did another haul today. Fret not, it's free shopping anyhow since I won a $100 eBay gift card from a Korean Company, so best to return the favor, by spending them on more Korean Cosmetics. Oh my, talk about me rationalizing! *-^ So yes, let's do more shopping spree posts. Again, this is another #I-love-everything-about-something post! ;-D

How about you, any shopping extravaganza lately? Please do share, I love shopping stories! ;-D

So happy to meet Mommy Wendy of My Rocking Cradle, his adorable sons, and his cool better half ^_^. I and beaming Chase. I'm so happy that we made new friends. ;-D

With the corresponding points, I inputted the name with X number of times. :-D

It's my first time to use the Fruit Machine, I guess it's more exciting with the sound effect and all. :-D Although, from the Excel Spreadsheet, I have to use the TextEdit from Mac to copy and paste the list to run properly in the machine. The copy and paste right out of the Excel produced 'ClairClairClairWonderWoman' results. So I had to transfer it with TexEdit, which is a worksheet free from formatting. Anyhow, on with the results....

Again, thank you all so much for supporting. :-D I look forward to hosting more giveaways and contests. I will also post the prize for my December C.S.M. a la commenter/reader of the month in a while, so please keep on cheering and supporting. Happy Holidays! ;-D

Yay! My secret quest to own at least 10 pairs of FitFlop™ finally came to reality. I've found a way to get my balance 3 pairs by requesting them as gifts for our Anniversary, Christmas, and Birthday. I've novelized my ravings of the brand here, here, and here too. It all started with my first ever reliable pairs of (Pair 1 & 2) Walkstars, to the (Pair 3) Positano, to (Pair 4) Hooper, and then to another (Pair 5 complements of the brand) Red Walkstar. Oh my, by the way this is another post of #I-love-everything-about-something, just to manage expectations. I have to tell you beforehand, that I will again sound/act like Bubba, FitFlop™ is now for the mean time, my shrimps. (Just in case, Bubba is from Forest Gump, he endlessly talks about shrimps. Haha! ;-D) Anyhow, here goes my fabulous FitFlop™ pairs...

What's in a box? ;-D

My FitFlop™ DASH of Happiness...Stylish travelers, this is for you! The cute new DASH ankle boot is fresh, simple and fun, with a microfiber-lined suede upper, decorative cross instep strap and adjustable side buckle (so it fits a variety of feet). Dressed up with bubble skirts and tights or down with skinny jeans and socks, the Dash is a smash!

I'm so dreaming to wear boots! Albeit, I have yet to rock an outfit with them. I had a perfect outfit last Christmas, with my bubble skirt and all, but I opted instead to wear the black Happy Gogh. Anyhow, I'm armed with fabulousness on my next out of the country trip.

I know right, I only got the basic colors, you know me or better yet you know hubby ;-D. We got them on SALE. So you see, I'm no big spender, I'm just indeed a wise shopper (haha! talk about rationalizing splurging ^^). Anyhow, these are truly very comfy. Although, some would find them a bit sweat-inducing with the sunny weather, and the warm material, what I do is spray on Dr. Scholl's foot refresher spray. And tada! I'm all set.

Ditch your plain Janes for a ROKKIT, man. FitFlop's new, absolutely dazzling sparkly sandal has so much glitter, it may just launch a flight of frenzy. With layer after layer of shimmering crystal beads on a super-soft leather upper, it can be dressed down (with denim) or up (for dinner!). Built on FitFlop's Microwobbleboard™ midsole, so you get a workout while you walk.™

My Rokkit, my precious. :-D And maybe, in few years time, I can finally make sense on owning my very own limited edition Rock Chic. For the mean time, I'm H-A-P-P-Y, and so are my feet. :-D

Outfit of the Day's matched with a pair of FitFlop™ :-D

I have more outfits with FitFlop™, it's just that I don't really do OOTD pix. But I promise, without fawning and theatrics aside, FitFlop™ are worth every ravings. My black Walkstar pair is still very much alive, albeit in need of retiring, so I instead used it for my house slippers. You can opt to get the latest designs, which are a lot and so compelling (as in!), or weather it out a bit, and wait for some SALE promotions. ;-D Anyhow, their designs albeit a year or two old will never go out of style. So yes, penny-pinching aside, I'm more than elated of my stash, of the 10 pairs, we bought 9 pairs, so yes, they're truly worth it. Thank you Hon! :-D

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas 2011 was one of the more intimate celebration we had in years. We usually spend it with our extended families, or out of town. This year, it was indeed a family affair. In a way, I didn't rush through the preparations. It also didn't matter much that my first attempt to do kimbap (Korean Rice Roll/Sushi) failed big time. Haha! :-D I guess I'm better off buying ready-made kimbap to the ahjumma sellers. ;-D Albeit my Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle) was stellar. Yay! Except when I did it for the second time for my birthday yesterday, it was a bit on the salty side. :-( Oh well! Anyhow, on with more fun stuff, gifts, outfits, and food. ;-D

My Son Chase with a Garfield White Polo from SM Department Store and Jeans from Debenhams

I'm mighty proud of Chase. He was able to wait for Christmas Eve to open his gifts. It's actually an admirable trait of him, ever since. ;-D We didn't get him much toy gifts because he has a room full of toys, so it's all up to his grandparents and godparents to shower him with more toys.

Happy Chase! :-D

As for our gifts, hubby got himself some more new gadgets. While, I got even more pairs of FitFlop. Yay! I'll be back to do a post of them. ;-D

My warmest Season's Greetings to you and your family! Have a Blessed Holidays! Cheers! ;-D

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Today is my BDay! ;-D Truth be told, I used to be overly emotional (and sensitive) every time...haha! I remembered having bouts of sad thoughts because I was overly trivial and superficial. I guess the excitement and rush of December 24 and 25 are taking the energy out of everyone, and just wanted to have a moment to recharge comes December 26. So I have people, even my immediate family momentarily forgetting my big day today. Haha! ;-D But I've since outgrown that, promise! Needless to say, so thankful for FB, for years now, I have a couple of dozens of well-wishers. Big Thanks! :-D

Big thanks to my friend who made this for me on FB. ;-D Oh yes, it would be a sight to behold! ;-D

Well, a hitch though is that today is a work day. Tsk.Tsk. So hubby, needs to work. We have a big vacation all planned up for January 2012 so he can't afford taking more days off. I'm honestly okay with it. In fact, I just want to spend the day cuddling with my son. Oh, he's watching for the nth time Kung Fu Panda 2. ;-D And then maybe sing my hearts out with the updated XBox Lips. ;-D

Included in my bucket list, my birthday wish even :-D...to make a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and Basilica in Lourdes, France. ;-D Photo Credit: Wikipedia

But more than everything, I would like to share this powerful prayer of devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. I'm named after our Lady. I was so sickly as a baby, and as a child, that my parents made me wear a white dress with a blue sash every Sunday. Amidst everything else, I seemed to lose sight of the whole significance of it, until I was reminded just recently, that a devotion to Our Lady is so very powerful. Especially with my son being a bit on the sickly side too. So I go on, everyday, saying this simple, yet very powerful prayer, among several others. And with it, I'm overly grateful.

Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.

Every waking day is a blessing and God's gift. I'm thankful that I'm 31, and so loving it. Last year, I celebrated it with a young friend, but she passed away. Life is short. Live. Lough. Love. ;-D

I can't help but look back... no sad thoughts for today though. :-D

The day is still young...so looking forward for many great things to come! Cheers! :-D

Saturday, December 24, 2011

I'm wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. :-D Last night, we attended the Christmas Eve Mass at The Grand Palazzo's Christ the King Chapel. I love love love the choir. For the communion song, they did The Christmas Shoes. Truth be told, this is something I'm not really well-versed with. But while listening, and reading through the lyrics, I had a heartwarming feel. And felt a bit guilty. I'm actually a bit feeling a very bit guilty even a while back. I love shoes. I'm addicted to FitFlop™ even. Few weeks ago, FitFlop™ Philippines did a giveaway. I read several heartwarming entries about wanting to win a pair for a loved one. Oh my, I don't want to sound condescending, but after reading through those, and the recent disheartening events in our country, I felt an Ouch! My, my someone has been being too materialistic and superficial lately, it's not just the shoes per se, it's the bits and pieces of it... :-(

Thursday, December 22, 2011

I'm so delighted to finally make a trip to Marquee Mall, after more than a week's hiatus. ;-D It was a very quick trip. But it didn't stop me from visiting Accessorize. I missed the B1T1 3-Day Sale Event last time (sad), but there are still a lot of ongoing promotions, as in a lot of new items on sale too. I just had to get these. ;-D

Floral, Heart, Ribbon Ring Pieces. With these rings, I thee love! :-D

I learned last night that Britney Spears got engaged again, and she was showing off her lavish engagement ring, it's worth about $92,000, a Php 4M ring is big big big enough for me. Albeit it's still said to be on the modest side when it comes to the Hollywood Entertainment industry. Tsk, tsk. Well, I don't have a hundred thousand ring even, but I can indulge on my very own haul too...the more, the merrier...the chunkier, the better. ;-D

I *Heart* them! :-D

Floral Pieces! Yay!

Pink Ribbon is IT! :-D

I don't want to say that it's my last hurrah, because there are several more items that I would love to get before the sale period ends. Oh well, don't take it the wrong way, I'm no big spender, I'm just a wise shopper, I make the most out of the SALE promotions. Naturally, I could be truly stingy too! haha! ;-D

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

It's by some strange turn of events that we're actually missing our usual weekend/daily visits at the malls. For goodness sake, I haven't even visited SkinFood Marquee for my Gold Kiwi Gift Sets. I'm usually unstoppable, but we've been so busy lately, and hubby's extra-tired with his daily back to back travels of Manila-Pampanga traffic, so he's lately committed to be a home buddy. ;-D And naturally, my son is also enjoying his unlimited play time, so he's also doubly decided to stay at home. So what's left to do with a shopaholic SAHM like yours truly? Tada! Go eBay shopping! :-D

I needed to get a couple of SkinFood Rose Essence Tinted Lip Balm Mini's for the giveaway prizes and gifts. Among with two auction wins, and Buy-it-now's, I ended up stashing more Korean Cosmetics lovelies. I also received several queries on how I do e-Bay. I'll do a brief run through below.

Before mask sheets, the SkinFood Rice Mask is my mainstay supplementary skincare item. I did a post of it here. I've since run out of it, so a refill was in order.

I tried few packs of it as freebies, and so far, it seems they'll do just fine. Anyhow, a pack is way cheaper than the SkinFood Pomegranate Shampoo's trial pack. So I'm pairing it instead with the SkinFood Pomegrenate Hair Pack. I'll be back to do a more detailed review for these new haircare items. I might also get the matching conditioner, which comes in 750ml bottle, definitely more affordable than SkinFood's.

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

I also got several of them. I have sample packs of them from my recent freebies, but I only braved trying it out after reading a post from Mommy Wendy. I tried a pack, and it was love at first try. I'm already on my second pack.I really want to realize the pore tightening effect, so I'm waiting earnestly for it. I'm religiously incorporating the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask on my skin care routine, few more weeks, then I'll do my post. I'm such a hoarder... afraid that I'll run out of it, I actually did a repurchase of them. Haha. ;-D

While we're at eBay, I actually received several inquiries on How to buy, pay, etc. I'll do a run through of eBay/Online shopping basics.

1. Visit eBay Philippines at http://www.ebay.ph/. Register or Sign in.
2. Then just type the item that you would like to buy in the search box, much like googling it. Either that, or just go to the specific store or seller, if you know it.
3. Feedback scores mean a lot. It's the number after the eBay ID, and have a color-coded star besides it. For the protection of both seller and buyer, you can read through the feedbacks available.
4. If you're up for shopping several items, I suggest checking out 'See other Items for Sale' of a seller, to save on shipping. And don't forget to request for combine shipping, or even free shipping, if ever. ;-D
5. If you're not sure about the descriptions of the items, ask away. Don't click 'Bid' or 'Buy it now' just yet.
6. Some sellers list their mobile numbers, others won't. So just take time to ask for clarifications if needed either by texting or in the 'Ask Seller' option.If you have questions on just about anything (shipping, meet-ups, pick up etc.), please ask away.
7. Some sellers would also require a buyer for more details (contact numbers etc.), if you're relatively new or have lower feedback scores. It takes time to build on your feedback scores. So avoid going into disputes, so as not to avoid negative feedback.
8. In my experience, so far most eBay sellers are friendly and competent. Communication plays a vital part. The sellers do list their items in the most detailed way possible, they also set their conditions or selling terms, if you don't agree on some items, negotiate, or walk away.
9. For payment, I usually go for sellers that accepts PayPal payments. But before buying or bidding, please ask beforehand their accepted mode of payments (bank deposit, GCash, PayPal, etc.), if it's not mentioned in the product listing just to avoid any unnecessary disputes in the future.
10. For auction, I usually have a walk away amount on my mind, especially if I don't really need the item. With BHappywithMe, I think I have an advantage because I don't pay for shipping. ;-D

I tried selling too, but I don't really have much to offer, so I'm happily just buying. I hope those tips help, or for the more expert online shopper, please do share tidbits on other reliable online shopping ways and sites. :-D

I'm using the Mother Butter Cocoa Butter Cream, and I love it. It reminds me a bit of Palmer's, which I was an avid user during my pre/post pregnancy days. Only, this one is way better in terms of lingering scent, minus the grease. Plus, it's organic, and all natural. Seriously, Mother Butter is love...so lightweight! ;-D So for the past days and nights, I'm lavishly applying it all over, hoping for some kind of miracle that it's not too late, and I can still do something on my unsightly stretch marks. Or just indulge in sweet scented and moisturized state all throughout. ;-D

Almost a month after, I'm almost out of it. I'm in dire need of a refill. Shopping, coming up...;-D

I'm using it to its fullest. :-D Best of all, the scent is Hubby/Son tested and proven to be beyond great! And it's a big plus, because they're both Ms. Minchin reincarnated, when it comes to being very particular...haha ;-D). I truly love the lingering scent. Cocoa Butter love indeed! ;-D

Save a Mother, Save the Future! For every purchase of limited edition Mother Butter, you stave off stretchmarks and dry skin, and contribute P100 to help UNICEF's Maternal and Neonatal Healthcare Program reach more expectant women in need from remote areas.

Without knowing what's inside the box, I fell in love with the packaging, so I actually took time to take photos of everything. I guess it's now second nature to be a shutter bug. ;-D Needless to say, so thankful that I did, because I could't help devouring them in a jiffy. I love sweet custards/leche flan. And so does my son, Chase. Macaroons too! Put them together, wow! Sweet Creations indeed! ;-D

Gigi Gaerlan Castaroonery Manila Photo Credit: Official FB Page

I browse through the sites, and there's definitely more to love. Don't miss out on this new taste in town. ;-D For more details, visit the official FB Page of Gigi's Custaroons here.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Convertible. Multi-way. Versatile...such powerful adjectives that speaks highly of the functionality of something. And I always go for those type. So when I saw the video campaign of ForMe's Multi-way Top, I'm wowed! They said, it's a resurrected style of the famed convertible dress, needless to say, I might have missed on that fashion phenomenon. Truth be told, I was a bit skeptical on the whole concept, it's like a fresh out of a home tv shopping ad. I wanted to see it for myself, so I gave it a try at the store. My, my, it's for real! :-D So I was super delighted that ForMe gave me one for review.

Product Description: The Multi-Way Top is so versatile you can wear it any way you want! Just bring out that fabulous personal style and creativity, and you'll surely have fun with this piece.

First try...One Shoulder is love. ;-D

I'm not really the type to flaunt my arms, coupled with my hearty appetite and blame-it-on-genetics, I lack the confidence, but with the whole style, I love how it shows off the right skin and coverage to create an alluring one-shoulder outfit.

Go effortless chic! This one true to its style, I can pull it off anytime without looking at the 'cheat book'. ;-D

I think this will remain to be my go-to style. It can go from casual, semi-formal, to even formal depending on what you pair it with. Versatile indeed. ;-D

Here's how to get the look.

Overall, I'm now a believer! I can't wait to try out more of the styles. And hopefully get more creative along the way. I can't get enough of black tops, so I made sure to get this in black too. The success of the multi-way top is people can't really tell that this is just one top...although after this, they have to do second look. But I don't think they can still tell! Tada! I have the luxury of wearing it over and over again, and at least my friends can't tell. So I nail several styles and look without spending much. Love it. ;-D I recommend that you get a tight fitting size. I actually got it in Small. Yay! ;-D Just to minimize excess fabrics when you do variety of twists and turns. The key to pulling a style that will hold is doing the string the right way. Do you have your own lookbook for it? Please do share. ;-D

For starter, ForMe presents 6 different styles of wearing it, with a step-by-step guide.The Multi-way top sells for P 1,098 in ForMe stores. Get it in rose pink, black, and gray.

I'm using a waterproof mascara, which proves to be bothersome (to the highest level) to remove, albeit remains to be my favorite. One pack will cover both eyes, as I use one patch each. But with this mascara, it will definitely take more than 20 seconds to remove everything. Patience is a virtue! Gently patch, leave, soak (sort of), swipe, and repeat. I have to do it several times.

Eeew. Tada! It takes one patch per eye to remove everything. Not several cotton pads, as how I usually do it when using other cleansing oils.

Loves:

No sting.

No irritations.

Best Love...No cloudy vision!

It's not really effortlessly per se, but it does remove waterproof makeup.

Drawbacks:

None, that I can think of. Except maybe I'm not sure of the stock availability at the price point that I'll still be willing to pay for it. Php 20 per pack is a luxury I don't mind paying for, since I rarely go all out with my eye makeup anyway. I'll have to check the local store price for it.

Overall, this will be my foremost go-to product when removing famed waterproof eye makeup. ;-D How about yours? Please do share. ;-D

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